brainApplications are invited for two PhD students to join the Brain Networks and Neurophysiology (NetPhys) Lab in Dalhousie University. The degree is multidisciplinary with options of admission through different graduate departments (Physics, Computer Science, Medical Neuroscience, Psychology and Neuroscience).

The NetPhys Lab is dedicated to understanding the behavioral relevance of neural communication in large-scale brain networks. We use pain as our modality for understanding how the brain processes internal and external information to generate perception. We also observe how ongoing mental processes alter pain perception. Our overall goal is to establish the scope and limits as to which we will be able to use brain imaging for predicting complex behavior such as pain. Our core focus is on predictive analytics geared at using multimodal brain imaging data to develop tools that can predict treatment outcomes, especially in chronic pain patients in all ages and across the lifespan. Other projects will study brain networks in altered states of consciousness—such as general anesthesia or mindful-awareness meditation—in multimodal data.

The planned studies will use leading-edge-imaging methods to analyze multimodal data (MEG, EEG, fMRI, DTI and EEG) combined with quantitative data analysis with a special focus on intrinsic and dynamic brain networks. We will use opensource resting and task related data to build new knowledge on brain function. This is thus a unique opportunity to contribute to the scientific models of the brain and to build transferable skills such as use of multimodal brain imaging, machine learning, dynamic connectivity and graph theory based network analysis in predictive analytics.

The student will learn how to use high dimensional data and cognitive neuroscience to develop neuropsychiatric biomarkers.

Applicants should submit a cover letter stating their research interests and current CV (including a list of scholarly publications), along with the names and contact information for three referees to Javeria.Hashmi@dal.ca asap.

The NetPhys lab is based in the Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine at Dalhousie University. Brain imaging projects will be conducted in collaboration with the leading neuroimaging facility in the Canadian Atlantic region (http://www.bioticimaging.com/) and The Big Data Institute https://bigdata.cs.dal.ca/ and with several other departments. You will work in collaboration with neuroscientists, computer scientists and clinical research experts.

Halifax is a port city, rich with culture and history, and is encircled in extraordinary coastal line and landscapes. The city has a bustling academic environment with six major universities located in the city municipality. It offers opportunities to think creatively, learn in a nurturing environment and to explore pristine nature.

We encourage students from all backgrounds including international students, women and minorities to apply.

Follow us @netphys1 and see #NetPhysJC on twitter

brain3We would like to invite applications for a research assistant position in brain imaging and cognition at the Brain Networks and Neurophysiology lab in Dalhousie University, Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine. The primary goal of the project is to develop predictors of treatment outcomes in chronic pain patients with brain imaging.

This position is ideal for students aiming at a career in biomedical research. Candidates who are planning to apply to graduate or medical school will have the opportunity to spend 1-2 years performing full-time research and working side-by-side with leading scientists in the fields of neuroimaging, clinical, and preclinical research.

EDUCATION/WORK EXPERIENCE: A undergraduate degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Neuroscience, psychology, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field is preferred. Excellent writing skills for grant proposals and scientific papers is a necessary requirements. Familiarity with neuroimaging acquisition methods and systems such as MRI, MEG and EEG. A back ground in neuroscience and brain imaging is an asset. Also desired is experience in human research studies involving clinical screening, patient recruitment, REB, data base and research documentation. Also required is interest in neuroscience and neuroimaging and translational biomedical research.

The successful candidate will be well organized, will demonstrate a thorough and conscientious approach to performing her/his duties, and will be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, a CV, and the names and contact information of three professional references, including at least one supervisor, to:

Javeria.hashmi@dal.ca

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Applications are invited for a fully funded position at the rank of postdoctoral student to join the Brain Networks and Neurophysiology (NetPhys) Lab. Salary will be commensurate with experience.  This is a full-time position with salary and benefits available for a period of three years. Starting date is September 2016 (negotiable).

In addition to a doctoral degree, the student needs to have demonstrated proficiency in writing code and should have strong analytical skills in processing brain imaging data (in fMRI or in MEG/EEG). The student will be trained in 1. How to use and combine information from different brain imaging modalities (fMRI, MEG/EEG) with the most current methods, 2. Gain expertise in cognitive neuroscience and clinical pain research. Through this training the student will learn how to use brain data and cognitive neuroscience to develop neuropsychiatric biomarkers.

The NetPhys Lab is dedicated to understanding the behavioral relevance of neural communication in large-scale brain networks. We use pain as our modality for understanding how the brain processes internal and external information to generate perception. We also observe how ongoing mental processes alter pain perception. Our overall goal is to establish the scope and limits as to which we will be able to use brain imaging for predicting complex behavior such as pain. Our core focus is on predictive analytics geared at using multimodal brain imaging data to develop tools that can predict treatment outcomes, especially in chronic pain patients in all ages and across the lifespan. Other projects will study brain networks in altered states of consciousness—such as general anesthesia or mindful-awareness meditation—in multimodal data.

The planned studies will use leading-edge-imaging methods to analyze multimodal data (MEG, EEG, fMRI, DTI and EEG) combined with quantitative data analysis with a special focus on intrinsic and dynamic brain networks. This is thus a unique opportunity to contribute towards new models of brain function and to build transferable skills such as use of multimodal brain imaging, machine learning, dynamic connectivity and graph theory based network analysis in predictive analytics.

Statistical, computational and signal processing skills are required for this research. We are especially interested in devotion to advanced quantitative data analysis including the ability to write code and/or to modify existing analysis code. The ideal applicant will have direct experience using MATLAB/Bash for analyzing brain data. Expertise in analyzing HCP or other open source data is a plus. Experience with source based MEG/EEG or the ability and motivation to combine M/EEG sources with fMRI will be an advantage. Expertise in computational modelling is a big plus.

The NetPhys lab is based in the Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine at Dalhousie University. Brain imaging projects will be conducted in collaboration with the vibrant brain imaging research environment, in a leading neuroimaging facility (http://www.bioticimaging.com/). You will work in a supportive environment consisting of neuroscientists, computer scientists and clinical research experts.

Halifax is a port city, rich with culture and history, and is encircled in extraordinary coastal line and landscapes. The city has a bustling academic environment with six major universities located in the city municipality. It offers opportunities to think creatively, learn in a nurturing environment, explore nature, and focus on self-growth.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and current CV (including a list of scholarly publications), along with the names and contact information for three referees to Javeria.Hashmi@dal.ca by August 1st, 2016.